Number limited at Brueghel evening

Only 100 readers will be able to view in intimate detail Pieter Brueghel the Younger's stunning 1602 work The Procession to Calvary at York Art Gallery on December 2.

For just 15, those in attendance will be treated to a unique evening of artistic discussion and help a campaign to keep the work in the region.

Expert curators will be on hand to explain the vibrant biblical scene of Jesus dragging his cross to crucifixion, which measures an imposing 144cm by 194cm.

The viewing is part of a huge fundraising campaign to keep the painting in the region, at Nostell Priory near Wakefield, where it has hung for more than 200 years.

The family who own the work want to sell, meaning it is at risk of being bought by a private collector and taken out of public sight.

The National Trust, which owns Nostell Priory and has been putting on guided tours at the site since the 1950s, does not want to see that happen.

The heritage charity has joined forces with Art Fund, the fundraising charity for national art, to secure 2.7m to buy the work for a special, one-off price.

After being hung at the National Gallery in London, the painting was moved to York Art Gallery, where people can see the masterpiece free of charge until the campaign's Christmas deadline.

Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, said: "We very much urge all art lovers and those who have a fondness for Nostell to donate to this campaign and ensure that this remarkable painting remains where it belongs – for all to enjoy."

Tickets for the exclusive evening, which runs from 6.30pm to 8.20pm on December 2, can be bought at http://yorkshirepost.eventbrite.com.